Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®

Company Overview

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World ® (LeadingRE) is the home of the world’s market-leading independent residential brokerages in over 50 countries, with over 500 firms and 120,000 associates producing over one million transactions valued at $321 billion annually. Our by-invitation-only network is based on the unparalleled performance and trusted relationships that result in exceptional client experiences.

WE'RE LOCAL WE'RE GLOBAL®

In 1997, 50 of the largest brokerage firms in the United States left a major industry network in order to launch what later became Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® with the goal of controlling their own destiny and creating a network comprised of only the best locally- and regionally-branded firms focused on raising the bar in real estate. Today, we lead the industry in reputation and a long list of metrics related to sales, market coverage, and more. LeadingRE's mantra is "Making the Best Brokerages Better," by providing these leading local brands with world-class business resources and national and global connections. Read more about our Global Reach.

Global Reach

At a time when a lot of people talk about being “global,” LeadingRE truly lives it – having built a powerful international presence long before being global was in fashion. With members in over 50 countries, we have connections in all corners of the world – extending membership only to firms that are leaders in the markets they serve and share values like local insight, global worldview, trusted experience, and high performance.

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Our international approach is seen throughout our operations. We maintain corporate offices in London and Singapore, in addition to our Chicago headquarters, and participate regularly in property shows around the world. Our corporate relocation company, RELO Direct®, manages employee moves for clients on nearly every continent. Our award-winning luxury property website, LuxuryPortfolio.com, was among the first to feature property listings in nine languages and 60 currencies over a decade ago. Our events consistently draw a distinctively international audience, and our members have an industry-leading record of making client introductions across borders.

This world-wise approach has made us the "go to" real estate network not only for individual clients, but also for multinational corporations, investment groups, and relocation management companies.

Member Credentials

Website Quality Certification

Website Quality Certification

LeadingRE has also established the Website Quality Certification (WQC) to recognize member company websites that achieve "best practices" in website design and Internet communications. The firms are recognized for innovation, creativity and superb examples of website excellence. The current recipients of this prestigious certification are:

Every industry has its superstars, and the RELO® Quality Certification Program celebrates ours. The RQC is the first standardized measure of quality and performance in the relocation industry, built upon a foundation of core values: company commitment, leadership, customer and results focus, education and resource allocation. This program recognizes outstanding efforts by those who go beyond expected quality service and instead choose to excel in their field. Certified affiliate companies include:

Membership Information

As the world’s largest network of market-leading real estate brands, we require standards of excellence that extend beyond sales marks. Members are vetted not just for performance, but a continued commitment to quality experience. Our brokers are recognized for their agility, expertise, and superior knowledge of both local and global markets—qualities unique to independents. Members enjoy widespread recognition and reach, while maintaining their autonomy and above-and-beyond spirit.

Leading RE advocates for its members, offering targeted services, resources, and support, while lobbying for higher standards for independents in real estate. Through LeadingRE, local brokers are connected to broader markets, both nationally and globally.

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® offers members services for:

Global Connections, through interaction with 500+ "best in class" companies from around the world for idea-sharing, referrals and business development opportunities

Education & Credentialing, including industry-leading online learning and multiple conferences held each year with tracks for brokers, relocation professionals, professional development managers, IT and marketing staff, and sales associates

Technology, with offerings such as a members-only social community and intranet, web-based referral management system, client testimonial program and the network’s standard-setting Website Quality Certification

Luxury Portfolio International®, an award-winning, comprehensive luxury property program designed to market high-end homes to an affluent audience

Corporate Relocation, through our own relocation management company and active engagement and leadership in the employee mobility industry

Business Product Solutions, with preferred vendor alliances that leverage the network to provide favorable pricing and special benefits on services that address a full range of business needs

Membership Inquiry

We appreciate your interest in Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®. If you are the broker or senior manager representing the ownership of a residential brokerage company, or an independent, locally branded firm that is not affiliated with a franchise, please complete the online form.

Leadership

Our leadership is comprised of our board of directors, executive team and a number of advisory boards and member councils that provide member input and feedback into programs, our operations and business plan.

For over 25 years, Pam O’Connor, SCRP, has managed networks which ultimately were consolidated into Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® and was the first woman to head a major network. Pam has been named one of the top 25 thought leaders by the National Association of Realtors, as well as one of the top 100 most influential people in real estate by Inman News. She also ranked 29th on the Swanepoel Power 200, a ranking of the most powerful people in real estate. She is a Senior Certified Relocation Professional (SCRP) and has served on the board of directors and executive committee of Worldwide ERC. She has received ERC’s Meritorious Award, President’s Award, and Distinguished Service Awards and was named to its Hall of Leaders in May, 2009.

With over 20 years of experience in luxury real estate, Paul Boomsma has created the highly successful Luxury Portfolio program. Paul began his career marketing luxury office towers and later joined a top residential firm, later becoming National Marketing Director for a major franchise. Paul is a frequent industry speaker on the topics of raising the bar for real estate branding, agent listing presentations, synergies with the resort/second-home market, and the luxury market. He has been named one of the Most Influential People in Luxury Real Estate and has received Unique Homes’ Luxury Marketer of the Year Award.

As President & CEO, Bob wears a lot of hats, sometimes at the same time. His varied experience in business development, operations, and executive management makes him a unique leader since he understands all sides of the relocation industry, both internally and externally. With more than two decades of industry experience, Bob brings a spirit of continuous improvement and professional development to the RELO Direct® team. His never-ending search for a better solution and learning opportunities has led him to not only attain high-ranking industry certifications, including the GMS-T for Talent Management certification that was open to only a select few by the Worldwide ERC®, but to provide clients with an engaging service experience.

Contact Information: 312-384-5900 or bportale@RELODirect.com

Alan Cazzato, CPA, VP of Finance and CFO

Alan Cazzato is an experienced financial manager and CPA who manages the corporate service functions of the company, including technology, accounting, human resources, and company infrastructure. A Chicago native, he has previously been responsible for financial management of companies in various different industry sectors.

Luxury Portfolio International®

Luxury Portfolio International® ­­– the luxury face of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® – is the brand recognized throughout the world as the luxury standard of excellence. Luxury Portfolio’s award-winning website, www.luxuryportfolio.com, was launched in 2005 and in its first year featured more $1 million-plus residences than other luxury real estate organizations. The comprehensive program continues to grow and now markets over 35,000 of the world's most remarkable homes annually and attracts over three million high-net-worth visitors a year by presenting a gallery of the finest luxury properties and brokerages worldwide.

Luxury Portfolio’s global reach is evident in its extensive collection of homes, with properties in over 47 states in the U.S. and almost 50 countries, website visitors from over 200 countries/territories every month, site translation in nine languages, conversion to multiple currencies and a total inventory of available properties totaling over $44 billion with an average price over $2.6 million dollars.
The 200 firms affiliated with Luxury Portfolio are all members of LeadingRE and are the most well-respected and well-known experts in luxury real estate in markets worldwide.

RELO Direct®, Inc.

RELO Direct®, Inc. is LeadingRE’s full-service relocation management company, offering a wide range of mobility management services to support clients with employees on the move – anywhere around the world. With industry experience dating back to 1992, RELO Direct® has the systems, processes, and procedures in place not only to guarantee high employee satisfaction, but also to effectively contain costs.

For corporate clients, RELO Direct® takes a comprehensive approach to address all of the moving pieces related to relocation, expertly managing everything from departure and destination services to administrative and program support. RELO Direct® also specializes in the government arena, with extensive certifications that allow us to provide a complete range of relocation services to meet the varied need of government agencies.

U.S. Military On the Move®

U.S. Military On the Move® is a free real estate rebate and information program developed by Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® to allow active duty and retired military personnel or wounded warriors to earn cash back when they buy or sell a home*. To be eligible, participants must register with U.S. Military on the Move® before contacting a real estate agent. U.S. Military on the Move® Brokers are a select group of LeadingRE companies with expertise serving the military market. For more information visit: usmilitaryonthemove.com

*Cash rebates are available in most states; some restrictions may apply. The actual rebate is calculated on the commission earned by the REALTOR® representing the participant in the transaction; therefore, they must be represented by an assigned U.S. Military on the Move® real estate firm at closing to qualify.

Careers

Internet Programs Coordinator

For further information about job opportunities and descriptions or to send your resume, please email HR@leadingre.com.

Company Overview

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World ® (LeadingRE) is the home of the world’s market-leading independent residential brokerages in over 50 countries, with over 500 firms and 120,000 associates producing over one million transactions valued at $321 billion annually. Our by-invitation-only network is based on the unparalleled performance and trusted relationships that result in exceptional client experiences.

WE'RE LOCAL WE'RE GLOBAL®

In 1997, 50 of the largest brokerage firms in the United States left a major industry network in order to launch what later became Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® with the goal of controlling their own destiny and creating a network comprised of only the best locally- and regionally-branded firms focused on raising the bar in real estate. Today, we lead the industry in reputation and a long list of metrics related to sales, market coverage, and more. LeadingRE's mantra is "Making the Best Brokerages Better," by providing these leading local brands with world-class business resources and national and global connections. Read more about our Global Reach.

Global Reach

At a time when a lot of people talk about being “global,” LeadingRE truly lives it – having built a powerful international presence long before being global was in fashion. With members in over 50 countries, we have connections in all corners of the world – extending membership only to firms that are leaders in the markets they serve and share values like local insight, global worldview, trusted experience, and high performance.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

Our international approach is seen throughout our operations. We maintain corporate offices in London and Singapore, in addition to our Chicago headquarters, and participate regularly in property shows around the world. Our corporate relocation company, RELO Direct®, manages employee moves for clients on nearly every continent. Our award-winning luxury property website, LuxuryPortfolio.com, was among the first to feature property listings in nine languages and 60 currencies over a decade ago. Our events consistently draw a distinctively international audience, and our members have an industry-leading record of making client introductions across borders.

This world-wise approach has made us the "go to" real estate network not only for individual clients, but also for multinational corporations, investment groups, and relocation management companies.

Member Credentials

Website Quality Certification

Website Quality Certification

LeadingRE has also established the Website Quality Certification (WQC) to recognize member company websites that achieve "best practices" in website design and Internet communications. The firms are recognized for innovation, creativity and superb examples of website excellence. The current recipients of this prestigious certification are:

Every industry has its superstars, and the RELO® Quality Certification Program celebrates ours. The RQC is the first standardized measure of quality and performance in the relocation industry, built upon a foundation of core values: company commitment, leadership, customer and results focus, education and resource allocation. This program recognizes outstanding efforts by those who go beyond expected quality service and instead choose to excel in their field. Certified affiliate companies include:

Alain Pinel REALTORS

Allen Tate REALTORS

Arizona Best Real Estate

Cam Taylor REALTORS

Comey & Shepherd REALTORS

CRYE-LEIKE, REALTORS

Dickens-Mitchener & Associates

Ebby Halliday REALTORS

F.C. Tucker Co.

Fonville Morisey Realty, A Long & Foster Company

Hall & Hunter REALTORS

Hamner Real Estate

Harry Norman, REALTORS

Hasson Company Realtors

Kentwood Real Estate

Long & Foster Real Estate

Marx-Bensdorf REALTORS

McEnearney Associates

Residential Properties

Shorewest REALTORS

Sibcy Cline REALTORS

Stark Company REALTORS

Watson Realty Corp.

Zeitlin & Company, REALTORS

Membership Information

As the world’s largest network of market-leading real estate brands, we require standards of excellence that extend beyond sales marks. Members are vetted not just for performance, but a continued commitment to quality experience. Our brokers are recognized for their agility, expertise, and superior knowledge of both local and global markets—qualities unique to independents. Members enjoy widespread recognition and reach, while maintaining their autonomy and above-and-beyond spirit.

Leading RE advocates for its members, offering targeted services, resources, and support, while lobbying for higher standards for independents in real estate. Through LeadingRE, local brokers are connected to broader markets, both nationally and globally.

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® offers members services for:

Global Connections, through interaction with 500+ "best in class" companies from around the world for idea-sharing, referrals and business development opportunities

Education & Credentialing, including industry-leading online learning and multiple conferences held each year with tracks for brokers, relocation professionals, professional development managers, IT and marketing staff, and sales associates

Technology, with offerings such as a members-only social community and intranet, web-based referral management system, client testimonial program and the network’s standard-setting Website Quality Certification

Luxury Portfolio International®, an award-winning, comprehensive luxury property program designed to market high-end homes to an affluent audience

Corporate Relocation, through our own relocation management company and active engagement and leadership in the employee mobility industry

Business Product Solutions, with preferred vendor alliances that leverage the network to provide favorable pricing and special benefits on services that address a full range of business needs

Membership Inquiry

We appreciate your interest in Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®. If you are the broker or senior manager representing the ownership of a residential brokerage company, or an independent, locally branded firm that is not affiliated with a franchise, please complete the online form.

Leadership

Our leadership is comprised of our board of directors, executive team and a number of advisory boards and member councils that provide member input and feedback into programs, our operations and business plan.

For over 25 years, Pam O’Connor, SCRP, has managed networks which ultimately were consolidated into Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® and was the first woman to head a major network. Pam has been named one of the top 25 thought leaders by the National Association of Realtors, as well as one of the top 100 most influential people in real estate by Inman News. She also ranked 29th on the Swanepoel Power 200, a ranking of the most powerful people in real estate. She is a Senior Certified Relocation Professional (SCRP) and has served on the board of directors and executive committee of Worldwide ERC. She has received ERC’s Meritorious Award, President’s Award, and Distinguished Service Awards and was named to its Hall of Leaders in May, 2009.

With over 20 years of experience in luxury real estate, Paul Boomsma has created the highly successful Luxury Portfolio program. Paul began his career marketing luxury office towers and later joined a top residential firm, later becoming National Marketing Director for a major franchise. Paul is a frequent industry speaker on the topics of raising the bar for real estate branding, agent listing presentations, synergies with the resort/second-home market, and the luxury market. He has been named one of the Most Influential People in Luxury Real Estate and has received Unique Homes’ Luxury Marketer of the Year Award.

As President & CEO, Bob wears a lot of hats, sometimes at the same time. His varied experience in business development, operations, and executive management makes him a unique leader since he understands all sides of the relocation industry, both internally and externally. With more than two decades of industry experience, Bob brings a spirit of continuous improvement and professional development to the RELO Direct® team. His never-ending search for a better solution and learning opportunities has led him to not only attain high-ranking industry certifications, including the GMS-T for Talent Management certification that was open to only a select few by the Worldwide ERC®, but to provide clients with an engaging service experience.

Contact Information: 312-384-5900 or bportale@RELODirect.com

Alan Cazzato, CPA, VP of Finance and CFO

Alan Cazzato is an experienced financial manager and CPA who manages the corporate service functions of the company, including technology, accounting, human resources, and company infrastructure. A Chicago native, he has previously been responsible for financial management of companies in various different industry sectors.

Luxury Portfolio International®

Luxury Portfolio International® ­­– the luxury face of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® – is the brand recognized throughout the world as the luxury standard of excellence. Luxury Portfolio’s award-winning website, www.luxuryportfolio.com, was launched in 2005 and in its first year featured more $1 million-plus residences than other luxury real estate organizations. The comprehensive program continues to grow and now markets over 35,000 of the world's most remarkable homes annually and attracts over three million high-net-worth visitors a year by presenting a gallery of the finest luxury properties and brokerages worldwide.

Luxury Portfolio’s global reach is evident in its extensive collection of homes, with properties in over 47 states in the U.S. and almost 50 countries, website visitors from over 200 countries/territories every month, site translation in nine languages, conversion to multiple currencies and a total inventory of available properties totaling over $44 billion with an average price over $2.6 million dollars. The 200 firms affiliated with Luxury Portfolio are all members of LeadingRE and are the most well-respected and well-known experts in luxury real estate in markets worldwide.

RELO Direct®, Inc.

RELO Direct®, Inc. is LeadingRE’s full-service relocation management company, offering a wide range of mobility management services to support clients with employees on the move – anywhere around the world. With industry experience dating back to 1992, RELO Direct® has the systems, processes, and procedures in place not only to guarantee high employee satisfaction, but also to effectively contain costs.

For corporate clients, RELO Direct® takes a comprehensive approach to address all of the moving pieces related to relocation, expertly managing everything from departure and destination services to administrative and program support. RELO Direct® also specializes in the government arena, with extensive certifications that allow us to provide a complete range of relocation services to meet the varied need of government agencies.

U.S. Military On the Move®

U.S. Military On the Move® is a free real estate rebate and information program developed by Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® to allow active duty and retired military personnel or wounded warriors to earn cash back when they buy or sell a home*. To be eligible, participants must register with U.S. Military on the Move® before contacting a real estate agent. U.S. Military on the Move® Brokers are a select group of LeadingRE companies with expertise serving the military market. For more information visit: usmilitaryonthemove.com

*Cash rebates are available in most states; some restrictions may apply. The actual rebate is calculated on the commission earned by the REALTOR® representing the participant in the transaction; therefore, they must be represented by an assigned U.S. Military on the Move® real estate firm at closing to qualify.